A Day in Chester

A couple of weeks ago, Sam and I decided that, since we’d not really done anything in a while, so we decided to go on an impromptu afternoon out to Chester. We arrived around lunch time and went for a walk around a couple of shops before going for some lunch. 

After lunch, we decided to walk along the city walls and read about the city and it’s history. We also saw the Roman sights, such as the amphitheatre, and walked around the big park and along the river, before getting some treats for the car journey back. We spent about 4 hours in Chester and we had a wonderful time, day trips are one of my favourite things to do, so I’m excited for plenty more now that the weather is brightening up.

Nic

xx

A Day In London

During my week off, I went on a little solo day trip to London. The purpose of my trip was to see Angels in America (review coming very soon, when I can manage to muster up the words to describe it) but I thought that I'd spend a day in London in the lead up to the play.

I arrived in London at half past one and decided, as it was a lovely day, that I would walk down to the Southbank to try and find the National Theatre, and on the way I walked past Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral, which ended up being a nice surprise. When I got to the Thames, I walked along there, saw the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and then walked along the river to find the theatre so I'd have my bearings for the evening. On the way I saw a book market, which I spent far too long browsing at, and then I saw that there was a DC Lego exhibition nearby, however, it was super busy so I decided to head to my hotel to freshen up. 

I stayed in a little hotel in Earl's Court, which only cost me £45 for the night, and it was very easy to get to from the theatre. After I'd freshened up, I headed back to the Southbank for some food. I actually decided to eat at the theatre cafe, which actually ended up being very cheap and very tasty. Then I waited at the stage door for a bit, and saw some of the cast of the play, and then went to get my ticket and watch the play, which was spectacular. After the play, I headed back to my hotel after some more waiting at the stage door, for a well needed sleep before my journey home the next morning.

Nic

xx

A Day in Buxton

A couple of days ago, me and Lee decided to do something different than the norm and go on a day trip. We wanted somewhere cheap and local (because, January) and so we decided on Buxton; a little spa town about an hour's bus ride away (and home of Buxton water) so, we got on the bus and went. 

Upon our arrival, we were actually really hungry, so we went in search of somewhere to eat. After walking past, and ruling out, a few pubs, we settled on a lovely little Italian just off the main road, where we got two courses for £8.99, which was very affordable, and the food was delicious. Nice and full, we headed back out to explore. 

Lee's first idea was to go to the Pavillion Gardens, which were lovely. The gardens were set out like a typical Victorian park, with a beautiful bandstand , fountain and greenery everywhere. There was also a miniature railway, which obviously wasn't running because it was too cold. The pavillion itself was a gorgeous building. We then went and saw the Opera House and the Baths, which were also wonderful, despite the baths now being a shopping arcade. I bet they were gorgeous when they were actual baths. I really wanted to see the Crescent, but they were scaffolded as they were being worked on. 

We wandered around for a couple more hours, taking in the sights, and sampling some nice and pure water, before heading home before it got too dark, fully planning on returning in the Summer, to see what it is like with everything up and running. All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend a few hours, and we've definitely got more to see and do there, so we will definitely be returning.

Nic

xx

A Day at the Lakes

Last Saturday, myself and Lee took our first day trip of 2016, to Windermere in the Lake District. We got the train from Manchester at around 9am, and, after a quick change at Preston, we were well on our way. We got to the Lake District at around 11am, ready to spend a full day there. We walked around the little town of Windermere for a little bit and then headed down to Lake Windermere (the biggest lake in England) in the neighbouring town of Bowness.

The lake itself was spectacular, and we spent a fair few hours just taking in the view, with Lee taking plenty of pictures along the way. We went to see the Beatrix Potter attraction, but, as it was the school holidays, it was super busy so we didn't go in. We did, however, go on a cruise of the lake, which was informative as well as picturesque. After a lovely meal of chips and burgers, we walked around a bit longer before heading home for the evening, filled with wonderful memories of the day, and eager to plan another day trip.

Nic

xx

A Day in York

First of all, I know my blog love posts usually come today, but I'm shaking things up a bit this week.

It's no secret that Lee and I love a good day trip, so, having not had one in a while, we decided to book an impromptu trip. We thought about it for a while, then settled on York, as it is supposed to be really nice. So, off we went on the hour and a bit train journey. 

Once in York, we headed towards the Minster, which, due to it being Sunday, we couldn't really go in, so we decided to go to the Richard III Experience, which Lee absolutely loved! And our tickets to that are valid for a whole year so we can go back again. We walked the walls of the city for a bit then headed to York Dungeon, where I got captured and killed by Henry VIII, and got my body snatched by Burke and Hare. The dungeons were so much fun, and well worth the entrance fee. 

After the dungeons, we were famished, so we went to Bill's, which I was extremely excited about as I'd never been to ones but I know how highly recommended they are. I got amazing ribs and a beautiful cocktail, and Lee got steak and a Bill's beer. After we'd eaten, we wandered around in the fog for a while, then got the train home.

We had a brilliant time in York, and we'll definitely be returning, even if it is just so we can go on a ghost walk.

Nic

xx

A Day in Conwy

Way back at the start of August (I know!) Lee and I went on a day trip to Conwy in North Wales. Lee had been wanting to go for a while, so, after getting back from Paris, we decided we'd go, after all, who doesn't love a good castle. So we got on the train and went.

We got there around dinner time, so we went for some (locally caught) fish and chips, and then we went to the castle. Being a huge fantasy fan, castles fascinate me, and, even though my parents swear I went to castles as a child, I do not remember doing so, so I've always wanted to go to a castle. So, naturally, the castle was my number one priority. We spent a good couple of hours in there, walking up every turret and learning all about the history of the castle. It was a great experience, and has just touched the surface of my love for castles.

After the castle, we went to the port to see the smallest house in Great Britain, which you could also go and look at for £1. We decided not to do that, because all you could do was look through the door, and we both decided that it just wasn't worth it. After a little wander around, we found a birds of prey stand collecting for charity, and they actually had some of the birds there with them, who were patient enough to pose for photos.

After all the wandering we did on the day, we decided to head home. So we got an ice cream and waited at the train station. For an hour. There are only a couple of trains a day that go to Conwy, a fact we didn't know until the day, but we didn't let it ruin the day, we just took a seat and talked about the wonderful day we'd had.

Nic

xx

Disney's Cinderella Exhibition

Warning: this is a photo heavy post.

I bet you all thought I didn't have another Cinderella post up my sleeves, didn't you? Well, I do. Last Tuesday, after what felt like years and years of waiting (it was only about two weeks), Lee and I went to London for the day to see the Cinderella exhibition in Leicester Square. The exhibition was filled with costumes and props from the live action film, and it was lovely. For a relatively small exhibition space, they did a really good job, filling the rooms with props and really utilising the space. Along with the props and costumes from the new film, there was also a room with memorabilia and original illustrations from the animated Cinderella, which was an added treat.

I don't want to waffle on through this post, so I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking.

If you've not seen the new film yet, hopefully seeing these pictures will inspire you to, it's a visual masterpiece, and I can't wait to see it again when it comes out on DVD.

Nic

xx